Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund

Honoring a Legendary Philanthropist

Christa Bax, a 2016/2017 award recipient of the Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund, shows an operating room where she works at Kenmore Mercy Hospital to 43 x 79 members Alphonso O’Neil-White and Chris Ross.

Stanford Lipsey is best known in our community as the longtime publisher of The Buffalo News. In the business of breaking news and headlines, he was a quintessential newsman who successfully ran the newspaper for almost 30 years.

However, the real story that captures Lipsey’s life is his legacy of philanthropy that continues to move Buffalo forward today.

Although he was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Lipsey called Buffalo home. Here, he is credited with playing major roles in saving the H.H. Richardson Complex and restoring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House. A pioneer at the time, Lipsey advocated for Buffalo and recognized its potential to recreate itself long before our region showed signs of the resurgence we enjoy today.

Lipsey was also a champion for education. As a member of 43 x 79, a group of local businesspeople interested in supporting Western New York, he convinced his fellow members to establish a scholarship for students in need. The group unanimously embraced the idea and decided to name the scholarship fund in his honor.

Stanford Lipsey

“Stan was committed to improving education in our community,” said Alphonso O’Neil-White, a member of 43 x 79. “When it came to honoring his legacy, we knew we could rely on the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for help.”

By establishing the Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation, this group of business leaders makes it possible for students to achieve their dreams of earning a college degree.

At the same time, the partnership with the Community Foundation allows them to maximize their generosity without any administrative burdens.

“We are not in the business of knowing how to run a foundation and the Community Foundation brings that expertise to our group,” said Chris Ross, CPA, a member of 43 x 79. “The team does the heavy lifting for us so we can stay focused on our day jobs.”

In November of 2016, Lipsey passed away at the age of 89. This scholarship is carrying on his charitable legacy and supporting his love of education and Buffalo.

“This is Stan’s vision coming to life: helping people reach their potential,” said O’Neil-White.